Men and women may share many biological traits, but when it comes to hair loss, the differences matter. Genetics, hormones, and anatomy all play a role — and they influence everything from disease risk to how, when, and why hair begins to thin.
Up to 80% of men and 50% of women experience hair loss in their lifetimes. You might look down and see hair shedding, but wonder exactly what causes it and what you can do about it. From first-line treatments like medication and platelet-rich plasma therapy, and from advanced methods like hair transplants, Hair Doc is your go-to for hair loss concerns and how to get you feeling younger and more confident.
The root of hair loss in men is mainly linked to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone. In genetically sensitive men, DHT attaches to hair follicles in the scalp and generally weakens them over time.
As this continues, the follicles continue to shrink, producing thinner hair and weaker strands with each growth cycle, which can eventually stop growth altogether. This process is known as male pattern hair loss, which is why many men notice thinning first at the temples and the crown before baldness becomes more noticeable.
Women experience female pattern hair loss, characterized by overall thinning but less severe balding. Women also produce DHT, but in much lower amounts, as estrogen helps keep hair in its growth phase, often leading to hair loss later in life than in men.
If you’ve started noticing thinning and want to get ahead of hair loss, medication is usually the first place to begin. Minoxidil (commonly known as Rogaine™) is a topical treatment that’s applied directly to thinning areas of the scalp. It’s safe for both men and women and works by increasing blood flow to the scalp, which can help improve hair count and overall density — and in some cases, even regrow thinner strands over time.
Finasteride, also known as Propecia®, is another commonly used option, but it’s FDA approved only for men. It can be taken orally or used topically and works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into DHT, the hormone most closely linked to male pattern hair loss. By lowering DHT levels, finasteride can help slow hair loss significantly and, for some men, help maintain or improve existing hair.
Medication, although effective, isn’t the option for everyone. If you’re looking for a more natural and regenerative option, you might consider platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. PRP uses your blood to nourish dormant hair follicles and harvest a healthy growing environment for new strands.
During your treatment, a small blood sample is drawn from your arm, processed to concentrate the platelets, and then injected into thinning areas of the scalp. Platelets contain growth factors that help stimulate weakened hair follicles, improving thickness and slowing ongoing hair loss. PRP is commonly used for both men and women, alongside other treatments to help strengthen existing hair rather than completely replacing it.
Hair transplants are generally seen as a later hair restoration approach after medical and regenerative treatments have been explored. The two most common methods are a follicular unit extraction (FUE) and a follicular unit transplant (FUT).
FUE involves removing individual hair follicles from the back or the side of the head, while FUT uses a thin strip of scalp to harvest follicles before placing them where they’re needed. Both methods can deliver natural, impressive results for men and women when performed by a professional like Aaron Cheng, MD.
Hair loss looks different for everyone. The earlier you start realizing the core of what’s happening, the more options you have for treatment.
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Disclaimer: Photos used in this article are models and may or may not have had treatment.
